The Ultimate Birth Partner Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode, I explore one of the most delicate and important questions in birth work: Is my lived experience more important than your future one?

So many women feel torn between wanting to share their birth story — whether it was empowering, challenging, or deeply traumatic — and wanting to protect others from fear or unrealistic expectations. But how do we find the balance? How do we share truthfully without limiting what’s possible for someone else?

This conversation unpacks the tension between past experience and future potential. Together, we look at how to reflect on your own birth, what to learn from it, and how to share your story responsibly — so that both honesty and hope can exist side by side.

 Key Takeaways:

• Your lived experience matters deeply — but it’s not a template for anyone else’s.
• Sharing your story can help others, but only when it’s framed with context and possibility.
• Negative stories can warn, but they shouldn’t define someone else’s limits.
• Positive stories bring hope, balance, and proof of what’s possible.
• Reflection is powerful: understanding your own birth can help you prepare differently next time.
• Protecting someone’s dream of a physiological birth doesn’t mean sugar-coating reality — it means giving space for hope and autonomy.

Send me a message

If you love the podcast and would like to support it, then please use the link to 'buy me a coffee' - https://bmc.link/sallyannberesford

If you would like to buy a copy of either of the books that accompany this podcast please go to your online bookseller or visit Amazon:-

Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner  - click here:-https://bit.ly/Labouroflove

The Art of Giving Birth - Five Key Physiological Principles - https://amzn.to/3EGh9df

Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Black and White version https://amzn.to/3CvJXmO

Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Colour version https://amzn.to/3GknbPF

You can find all my classes and courses on my website - www.sallyannberesford.co.uk

Follow me on Instagram @theultimatebirthpartner

Book a 1-2-1 session with Sallyann  -  https://linktr.ee/SallyannBeresford

Please remember that the information shared with you in this episode is solely based on my own personal experiences as a doula and the private opinions of my guests, based on their own experiences.  Any recommendations made may not be suitable fo...

In this episode, I talk about one of the most emotionally testing times in pregnancy — the waiting game.

When your due date is approaching, or has come and gone, it can feel as though the world is on pause while everyone keeps asking, 'Have you had the baby yet?' 

I explore what this waiting period can really feel like — the impatience, the frustration, and the mental tug of war that happens when your baby still isn’t ready to arrive.

I also talk about the pressure that can build when conversations about induction of labour start, and how those offers can influence how you feel about your body, your baby, and the timing of birth.

We chat about the idea that 42 weeks is often considered the outer limit of pregnancy — but how that’s not true for everyone. For many women, birth can unfold safely and beautifully beyond that point. Still, talking about 42 weeks helps shift the focus away from the growing trend of early induction at 39 weeks, which can interrupt the natural rhythm of both mother and baby.

I also share some of the incredible support available during this time from myself, Shellie Poulter, and Kemi Johnson, who all offer services to help women navigate these later stages of pregnancy with confidence and calm. I’ll include their links below.

If you’re currently waiting — or supporting someone who is — this episode will help you find reassurance, perspective, and patience in those final days. Your baby will come, and how you navigate this time matters just as much as the birth itself.

Mentioned in this episode:
✨ Shellie Poulter – Instagram Website
✨ Kemi Johnson – Instagram Website
✨ My Own Birth Support Services - Instagram

Send me a message

If you love the podcast and would like to support it, then please use the link to 'buy me a coffee' - https://bmc.link/sallyannberesford

If you would like to buy a copy of either of the books that accompany this podcast please go to your online bookseller or visit Amazon:-

Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner  - click here:-https://bit.ly/Labouroflove

The Art of Giving Birth - Five Key Physiological Principles - https://amzn.to/3EGh9df

Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Black and White version https://amzn.to/3CvJXmO

Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Colour version https://amzn.to/3GknbPF

You can find all my classes and courses on my website - www.sallyannberesford.co.uk

Follow me on Instagram @theultimatebirthpartner

Book a 1-2-1 session with Sallyann  -  https://linktr.ee/SallyannBeresford

Please remember that the information shared with you in this episode is solely based on my own personal experiences as a doula and the private opinions of my guests, based on their own experiences.  Any recommendations made may not be suitable fo...

It's the season finale, and I’m delighted to wrap up with a powerful and thought-provoking conversation featuring the incredible Dr Rachel Reed - midwife, educator, author, and advocate for physiological birth.

In this episode, we dive deep into the topic of Meconium-Stained Amniotic Fluid something that often triggers alarm bells during labour. But should it? Rachel helps us unpack the physiology, the myths, and the medical responses surrounding meconium in the waters.

This conversation is essential listening for anyone preparing for birth, especially those wanting to feel informed and empowered in situations where the language of risk is used to justify intervention.

We explore:

• What meconium actually is - and when it’s considered 'normal'
• Why the presence of meconium doesn’t always mean distress
• The difference between thin and thick meconium - and why that matters
• How maternity systems often respond to meconium stained amniotic fluid
• How to approach decision-making with confidence and context

About Dr Rachel Reed:
Rachel is renowned for her evidence-based approach and her ability to reframe complex birth topics with clarity and wisdom. She’s the author of Reclaiming Childbirth as a Rite of Passage, and Why Induction Matters. Her MidwifeThinking blog became a go-to resource for birth professionals and parents alike.

Resources mentioned:

• Rachel’s website: www.rachelreed.website
• Rachel's Blog https://www.rachelreed.website/blog
• Instagram: @dr.rachel.reed

Thank you for joining me this season.
Whether you’ve listened to one episode or every single one, I’m so grateful for your time and energy. This show is for you - for every birth partner, mother, and supporter who wants to walk into birth feeling prepared, powerful, and protected. I’ll be back in September with more conversations that challenge, inform, and inspire.

If this episode spoke to you, please leave a review or share it with someone preparing for birth. Your support helps this podcast reach those who need it most.

Send me a message

If you love the podcast and would like to support it, then please use the link to 'buy me a coffee' - https://bmc.link/sallyannberesford

If you would like to buy a copy of either of the books that accompany this podcast please go to your online bookseller or visit Amazon:-

Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner  - click here:-https://bit.ly/Labouroflove

The Art of Giving Birth - Five Key Physiological Principles - https://amzn.to/3EGh9df

Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Black and White version https://amzn.to/3CvJXmO

Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Colour version https://amzn.to/3GknbPF

You can find all my classes and courses on my website - www.sallyannberesford.co.uk

Follow me on Instagram @theultimatebirthpartner

Book a 1-2-1 session with Sallyann  -  https://linktr.ee/SallyannBeresford

Please remember that the information shared with you in this episode is solely based on my own personal experiences as a doula and the private opinions of my guests, based on their own experiences.  Any recommendations made may not be suitable fo...

In this week's episode, I had the privilege of chatting with Rosemary Umolu.  Rosemary is a Midwife & Herbalist helping women get rid of period pains. Her love of nature & reproductive health inspired her to become a midwife, combining herbal knowledge and traditional skills to help women birth safely.

We spoke of her journey to becoming a herbalist, the importance of self-care, her role as a midwife, and how to take ownership when it comes to your life and your birth.

This is a truly wonderful episode which I hope you enjoy as much as I did.
 
Book a session with Rosemary - https://linktr.ee/houseofrosemary

Follow her on Instagram @houseofrosemary

Website: www.houseofrosemary.com


If you would like to buy a copy of the book that accompanies this podcast 

Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner — - click here:-https://bit.ly/Labouroflove

Or purchase a copy via my website - www.birthability.co.uk

Follow me on Instagram @theultimatebirthpartner @birthability

Book a 1-2-1 session with Sallyann  -  https://linktr.ee/SallyannBeresford

Please remember that the information shared with you in this episode is solely based on my own personal experiences as a doula and the private opinions of my guest, based on her own experiences as a herbalist and midwife.  Any recommendations made may not be suitable for all women so listeners must do their own research before making decisions.  

Send me a message

If you love the podcast and would like to support it, then please use the link to 'buy me a coffee' - https://bmc.link/sallyannberesford

If you would like to buy a copy of either of the books that accompany this podcast please go to your online bookseller or visit Amazon:-

Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner  - click here:-https://bit.ly/Labouroflove

The Art of Giving Birth - Five Key Physiological Principles - https://amzn.to/3EGh9df

Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Black and White version https://amzn.to/3CvJXmO

Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Colour version https://amzn.to/3GknbPF

You can find all my classes and courses on my website - www.sallyannberesford.co.uk

Follow me on Instagram @theultimatebirthpartner

Book a 1-2-1 session with Sallyann  -  https://linktr.ee/SallyannBeresford

Please remember that the information shared with you in this episode is solely based on my own personal experiences as a doula and the private opinions of my guests, based on their own experiences.  Any recommendations made may not be suitable fo...

I am back with Season 3 of the podcast, and in this episode I am flying solo. 
I wanted to record this episode alone and share with you all my personal stance on the difference between the three ways you can give birth. I believe it is essential for every pregnant woman or person to fully understand their options when planning for birth so that when you know the 3 different types of birth, you can prevent yourself from accidentally accepting interventions or procedures without realising the consequences of those decisions. 
Stepping into your power and taking ownership of your birth is what can make it a positive experience. 

I hope you enjoy this episode. If so, please leave a 5 *rating and review and share it with your friends and on social media.  You can tag me @thultimatebirthpartner

If you would like to buy a copy of the book that accompanies this podcast - click here:-

Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner — https://bit.ly/Labouroflove

Or purchase a copy via my website - www.birthability.co.uk

Follow me on Instagram @theultimatebirthpartner @birthability

Book a 1-2-1 session with Sallyann  -  https://linktr.ee/SallyannBeresford

Please remember that the information shared with you in this episode is solely based on my own personal experiences as a doula.  Any recommendations made may not be suitable for all women so listeners must do their own research before making decisions.  

Send me a message

If you love the podcast and would like to support it, then please use the link to 'buy me a coffee' - https://bmc.link/sallyannberesford

If you would like to buy a copy of either of the books that accompany this podcast please go to your online bookseller or visit Amazon:-

Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner  - click here:-https://bit.ly/Labouroflove

The Art of Giving Birth - Five Key Physiological Principles - https://amzn.to/3EGh9df

Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Black and White version https://amzn.to/3CvJXmO

Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Colour version https://amzn.to/3GknbPF

You can find all my classes and courses on my website - www.sallyannberesford.co.uk

Follow me on Instagram @theultimatebirthpartner

Book a 1-2-1 session with Sallyann  -  https://linktr.ee/SallyannBeresford

Please remember that the information shared with you in this episode is solely based on my own personal experiences as a doula and the private opinions of my guests, based on their own experiences.  Any recommendations made may not be suitable fo...

In the last episode of Season 2, I am answering some of the questions that were sent to me by my listeners. I am covering information on birth preparation, birth partners, vaginal examinations, induction of labour, doulas, breastfeeding and much more... 

It can be so helpful to listen to the many unexpected nuggets of information that come up when questions are being answered. 

I will be back with Season 3 in a few weeks - so subscribe now to make sure you don't miss out on the next episode when it's released.

If you would like to buy a copy of the book that accompanies this podcast - click here:-

Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner — https://bit.ly/Labouroflove

Or purchase a copy via my website - www.birthability.co.uk

Follow me on Instagram @theultimatebirthpartner @birthability

Book a 1-2-1 session with Sallyann  -  https://linktr.ee/SallyannBeresford

Please remember that the information shared with you in this episode is solely based on my own personal experiences as a doula.  Any recommendations made may not be suitable for all women so listeners must do their own research before making decisions.  

Send me a message

If you love the podcast and would like to support it, then please use the link to 'buy me a coffee' - https://bmc.link/sallyannberesford

If you would like to buy a copy of either of the books that accompany this podcast please go to your online bookseller or visit Amazon:-

Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner  - click here:-https://bit.ly/Labouroflove

The Art of Giving Birth - Five Key Physiological Principles - https://amzn.to/3EGh9df

Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Black and White version https://amzn.to/3CvJXmO

Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Colour version https://amzn.to/3GknbPF

You can find all my classes and courses on my website - www.sallyannberesford.co.uk

Follow me on Instagram @theultimatebirthpartner

Book a 1-2-1 session with Sallyann  -  https://linktr.ee/SallyannBeresford

Please remember that the information shared with you in this episode is solely based on my own personal experiences as a doula and the private opinions of my guests, based on their own experiences.  Any recommendations made may not be suitable fo...

In this week's episode, I am chatting with Dr Jenna Brough who is a perinatal clinical psychologist. We get into a deep discussion about the term 'normal' and how it relates to birth. How medicalised birth and intervention is seen as the norm and how most recommendations for intervention are based on fear of litigation.

Book a session with Jenna https://linktr.ee/tribepsychology

You can find Jenna on Instagram @tribepsychology

If you would like to buy a copy of the book that accompanies this podcast - click here:-

Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner — https://bit.ly/Labouroflove

Or purchase a copy via my website - www.birthability.co.uk

Follow me on Instagram @theultimatebirthpartner @birthability

Book a 1-2-1 session with Sallyann  -  https://linktr.ee/SallyannBeresford

Please remember that the information shared with you in this episode is solely based on my own personal experiences as a doula and the private opinions of my guest, based on her own experiences as a mother.  Any recommendations made may not be suitable for all women so listeners must do their own research before making decisions.  

Send me a message

If you love the podcast and would like to support it, then please use the link to 'buy me a coffee' - https://bmc.link/sallyannberesford

If you would like to buy a copy of either of the books that accompany this podcast please go to your online bookseller or visit Amazon:-

Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner  - click here:-https://bit.ly/Labouroflove

The Art of Giving Birth - Five Key Physiological Principles - https://amzn.to/3EGh9df

Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Black and White version https://amzn.to/3CvJXmO

Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Colour version https://amzn.to/3GknbPF

You can find all my classes and courses on my website - www.sallyannberesford.co.uk

Follow me on Instagram @theultimatebirthpartner

Book a 1-2-1 session with Sallyann  -  https://linktr.ee/SallyannBeresford

Please remember that the information shared with you in this episode is solely based on my own personal experiences as a doula and the private opinions of my guests, based on their own experiences.  Any recommendations made may not be suitable fo...

In this week's episode, I am chatting with Laura Berkeley who shares with us her journey through two very different pregnancy and birth experiences - where she suffered hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) and had a vaginal breech birth at home with her second baby during Covid. 

Laura gives great tips and information about becoming a mother and what has worked well for her since the birth of her first child. Laura is a trained hypnobirthing teacher and doula.  

Laura's website - https://thelemontreebirth.co.uk

Follow Laura on Instagram @laura_thelemontreebirth

If you would like to buy a copy of the book that accompanies this podcast - click here:-

Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner — https://bit.ly/Labouroflove

Or purchase a copy via my website - www.birthability.co.uk

Follow me on Instagram @theultimatebirthpartner @birthability

Book a 1-2-1 session with Sallyann  -  https://linktr.ee/SallyannBeresford

Please remember that the information shared with you in this episode is solely based on my own personal experiences as a doula and the private opinions of my guest, based on her own experiences as a mother.  Any recommendations made may not be suitable for all women so listeners must do their own research before making decisions.  

Send me a message

If you love the podcast and would like to support it, then please use the link to 'buy me a coffee' - https://bmc.link/sallyannberesford

If you would like to buy a copy of either of the books that accompany this podcast please go to your online bookseller or visit Amazon:-

Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner  - click here:-https://bit.ly/Labouroflove

The Art of Giving Birth - Five Key Physiological Principles - https://amzn.to/3EGh9df

Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Black and White version https://amzn.to/3CvJXmO

Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Colour version https://amzn.to/3GknbPF

You can find all my classes and courses on my website - www.sallyannberesford.co.uk

Follow me on Instagram @theultimatebirthpartner

Book a 1-2-1 session with Sallyann  -  https://linktr.ee/SallyannBeresford

Please remember that the information shared with you in this episode is solely based on my own personal experiences as a doula and the private opinions of my guests, based on their own experiences.  Any recommendations made may not be suitable fo...

In this week's episode, I am talking to the lovely Aimee Strongman from Glow Yoga in Dorset. 
She shares with us her wisdom on the motherhood journey, taken from her pregnancy yoga classes - which helps support the women who attend her sessions, to tune into their instincts and incorporate the tools she offers on the mind, body connection. 

As a pregnancy yoga teacher, Aimee really understands the importance of breathwork and relaxation.  During our conversation, she offers many tips and suggestions to make pregnancy and birth a more spiritual experience, and she guides us through a beautiful breathing technique. 

Aimee offers pregnancy retreats in Dorset, vision board sessions, and mother circles.

Aimee's website - https://www.glowyoga.co.uk

Instagram - @glowyoga_studio

If you would like to buy a copy of the book that accompanies this podcast - click here:-

Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner — https://bit.ly/Labouroflove

Or purchase a copy via my website - www.birthability.co.uk

Follow me on Instagram @theultimatebirthpartner @birthability

Book a 1-2-1 session with Sallyann  -  https://linktr.ee/SallyannBeresford

Please remember that the information shared with you in this episode is solely based on my own personal experiences as a doula and the private opinions of my guest, based on her own experiences as a mother.  Any recommendations made may not be suitable for all women so listeners must do their own research before making decisions.  

Send me a message

If you love the podcast and would like to support it, then please use the link to 'buy me a coffee' - https://bmc.link/sallyannberesford

If you would like to buy a copy of either of the books that accompany this podcast please go to your online bookseller or visit Amazon:-

Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner  - click here:-https://bit.ly/Labouroflove

The Art of Giving Birth - Five Key Physiological Principles - https://amzn.to/3EGh9df

Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Black and White version https://amzn.to/3CvJXmO

Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Colour version https://amzn.to/3GknbPF

You can find all my classes and courses on my website - www.sallyannberesford.co.uk

Follow me on Instagram @theultimatebirthpartner

Book a 1-2-1 session with Sallyann  -  https://linktr.ee/SallyannBeresford

Please remember that the information shared with you in this episode is solely based on my own personal experiences as a doula and the private opinions of my guests, based on their own experiences.  Any recommendations made may not be suitable fo...

In this episode, I am chatting to the lovely Sheena Byrom, as she shares her story of working in the maternity system, and what it has been like from the 1970's - to the current day.

Sheena talks of her time as a student, and how her career has led her through many different roles, finally becoming the head of midwifery for a large trust - which included setting up 3 midwife-led units.  Her insights were fascinating, and it wasn't always easy for Sheena as she describes terrible bullying and a 9-year court case that affected her whole family.  She now works hard to bring focus to respectful midwifery care and works alongside her daughter Anna producing valuable resources and information for both midwives and parents. 

For Midwives - https://www.all4maternity.com

For Parents - https://www.all4birth.com

Instagram - @sheena_byrom

If you would like to buy a copy of the book that accompanies this podcast 

Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner — - click here:-https://bit.ly/Labouroflove

Or purchase a copy via my website - www.birthability.co.uk

Follow me on Instagram @theultimatebirthpartner @birthability

Book a 1-2-1 session with Sallyann  -  https://linktr.ee/SallyannBeresford

Please remember that the information shared with you in this episode is solely based on my own personal experiences as a doula and the private opinions of my guest, based on her own experiences as a midwife.  Any recommendations made may not be suitable for all women so listeners must do their own research before making decisions.  

Send me a message

If you love the podcast and would like to support it, then please use the link to 'buy me a coffee' - https://bmc.link/sallyannberesford

If you would like to buy a copy of either of the books that accompany this podcast please go to your online bookseller or visit Amazon:-

Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner  - click here:-https://bit.ly/Labouroflove

The Art of Giving Birth - Five Key Physiological Principles - https://amzn.to/3EGh9df

Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Black and White version https://amzn.to/3CvJXmO

Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Colour version https://amzn.to/3GknbPF

You can find all my classes and courses on my website - www.sallyannberesford.co.uk

Follow me on Instagram @theultimatebirthpartner

Book a 1-2-1 session with Sallyann  -  https://linktr.ee/SallyannBeresford

Please remember that the information shared with you in this episode is solely based on my own personal experiences as a doula and the private opinions of my guests, based on their own experiences.  Any recommendations made may not be suitable fo...